Central and peripheral sensitization can cause which type of sensitization related to pressure/stretch?

• A. Electrical
• B. Thermal
• C. Chemical
• D. Mechanical

Answer: (D)

When the nervous system is sensitized, it becomes more responsive to the kinds of stimuli that normally wouldn’t provoke strong pain. Pressure and stretch are mechanical forces, so central and peripheral sensitization specifically heighten the response to mechanical input. Nociceptors and spinal neurons lower their thresholds to mechanical stimuli, leading to mechanical hyperalgesia or mechanical allodynia—pain from light touch or gentle pressure and discomfort with muscle stretching. Electrical, thermal, and chemical refer to different stimulus types (electrical input, temperature changes, and inflammatory mediators, respectively) and don’t describe the pressure/stretch sensitivity described here.